Chris Granger/The Times-PicayuneChris Ivory scores last season in the New Orleans Saints win against Seattle after their bye week.

The New Orleans Saints will take this entire bye week off from practicing - a routine that has paid great dividends since they started it in 2009. Up until then, the Saints were 0-3 following regular-season bye weeks under Coach Sean Payton. Since then, they've been 2-0.

From 2006-08, the Saints would practice for a few days during the bye week before giving players an extended weekend off. But after those early struggles, Payton turned to Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid for advice. Reid's Eagles have gone a remarkable 13-0 following regular-season bye weeks since he took over in 1999.

"You call around and try to find out what guys do," said Payton, who admitted that it's hard to part ways for such a long stretch during the season. "But after 10 weeks, it can be a break both physically as well as mentally."

Quarterback Drew Brees said he has changed his personal approach to the bye week over the years as well. In the past, Brees might be found on the Saints' practice field on the "off" Sunday, simulating an entire game.

"I think I've evolved, especially now with kids and responsibilities," said Brees, 32. "I definitely think it's healthy to get away and give your mind a rest ... but not too far away. I'm still playing some parts of the Atlanta game over in my mind and thinking ahead to the Giants game (in Week 12). And I'll be watching the games Sunday. I can't help myself.

"But physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically, you do need a little opportunity to relax, get away and recharge, because it's a grind."

Third-year safety Malcolm Jenkins agreed that there is a balance, though he said, "I'm kind of a workaholic."

"I'm still in town and will be here 'til Friday. I will hang around, and I'm still watching some film on the Giants and things like that," Jenkins said. "I will get up to (alma mater) Ohio State this weekend to check out their game against Penn State. But it's still a crucial part of the season. It's not the time to take completely off. We have to continue to get better so that process continues through the bye week. It may not be as intense but I will check out some film and see what's going on."